House OKs Bill to do Away with Gun Permits

JEFFERSON CITY (AP) - The House agrees to get rid of a state law requiring permits from the local sheriff before people can obtain a handgun. Supporters say the process duplicates the checks already required by federal law. They say only about a dozen states still have state-level requirements beyond the federal ones, and that it's an inconvenience to law-abiding citizens. The bill won initial approval with minimal discussion. It needs a second vote to move to the Senate. The permit law is separate from the requirements people must meet to obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon.